The men’s tennis team enjoyed success in Boise, Idaho, in the Boise State Fall Classic. Although the Eagles did not register many wins in the main draws, they were able to capture victories in the consolation rounds.

“I was really happy with the way the guys competed,” head coach Darren Haworth said. “The guys did an excellent job and came out with some big wins. … Overall  I think as a team we surprised a lot of people.”

Haworth said that he saw a lot of potential in his players and that he expects big things from them as the year progresses. The sixth year coach admits that his team lacks experience but is happy with what he has seen from them so far.

“Right now we’re just inexperienced. But we’re in a good spot,” Haworth said. “I’ve got a team this year that’s got a ton of potential. It all depends on how hard we work this fall and how that transitions over to the spring.”

One of the young players he is referring to is sophomore transfer Eduardo Martinez. Martinez competed in the singles main draw and recorded a first round win against Montana State’s Marcus Schleuter 2-6, 6-1, 6-4.

“I fought every point. I got down in the first set, …but I came back and I actually won the match,” Martinez said. “That got me a little more confidence in my game because I wasn’t playing really well. … Fighting and showing how you can do it just gets the team fired up.”

“He changed a few things up kept a few balls in play and made the guy work pretty hard,” Haworth said.

Martinez lost in the second round to eventual champion Alvaro Nazal from Gonzaga. Despite the loss, Martinez is staying positive and looking ahead.

“It was a really tough tournament but it was a good experience,” Martinez said. “We played some really tough teams. I think we’re getting better.”

Another of Haworth’s players he thinks shows major talent is transfer sophomore Joseph Cohen. Cohen lost in the first round of the main draw to Boise State’s Scott Sears 5-7, 6-2, 2-1.

“Joseph was playing a real tough match against one of Boise State’s better players and was just competing awesome and I saw a lot of potential there,” Haworth said.

Cohen won the first set against Sears, but said his shoulder was beginning to flare up and was getting tired. He had surgery on his left shoulder to repair a torn labrum last October.

“It’s perfectly fine now,” Cohen said. “[I’m] just taking time to acclimate it to serving and playing matches.”

Although Cohen still does his injury rehabilitation, he said it is nothing compared to getting his shoulder used to playing matches. That, he said, comes with playing more.

“It’s just soreness from not playing enough matches,” Cohen said.  “It’s perfectly fit now but it just takes time.”

The two transfer sophomores are looking to build their experience when they travel with the team to Moraga, Calif., to compete in the ITA Northwest Regionals Oct. 19-23. Haworth is focusing on keeping the team competitive and said there is still much to work on.

“We need to continue to improve on limiting unforced errors,” Haworth said. “Playing smart points when we’re down [and] also playing smart points when we’re ahead. … We’ve got a young group right now, and so with more practice competitive drills they’re going to get more match tough.”

Martinez is anxious to get on the court and competing again. He said, as long as he plays as hard as he can, he will be proud of the result.

“If I play good or bad or if I win or lose, it’s okay as long as I fight all the way.”

According to Martinez, he draws a lot of energy from his teammates. He said the team is united and he thinks of them as family.

“It’s like if a family member was playing and you’re there supporting them giving them all your support and all your positive energy and everything,” Martinez said.  “It’s good for the team to be all together.”

Haworth is excited for the season to continue and looks forward to watching his team’s evolution as tennis players.

“It should be a great season and it would be awesome to get as many fans out to support our matches,” he said.